The Philadelphia 76ers had some success this past season after making it into the 2024 NBA playoffs. While they finished seventh in the Eastern Conference, the team was bounced in the first round by the New York Knicks.
The Miami Heat had a similar season to the Sixers. The Heat placed 8th in the conference; however, they were also eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics, who are currently playing in the NBA finals.
While it may seem strange that these two teams would want to move in opposite directions, the 76ers are prepared to make an offer for Heat star Jimmy Butler and offer him a max extension upon his return to the city he once called home.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers have a list of goals to complete in free agency. The first involves signing super-star Paul George free agency. If these plans fall through, could we see Butler suiting for the 76ers next season?
Could Jimmy Butler Join The Philadelphia 76ers Next Season?
According to Miami Heat president Pat Riley, the Heat were not interested in trading the NBA All-Star earlier this month. But it seems he’s slightly opened up to the idea a little bit, saying, “There are a possibility a lot of things are on the table. It’s not about getting another star. You get another star, and your bench gets weaker.”
It should be noted that Butler had a brief stint with the 76ers in 2017-18, during which he appeared for just 55 games after being acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. That season saw Philly finish third in the East.
While it’s possible that the move doesn’t happen, the Heat have had reason to get rid of their top players. There have been many rumors this offseason about a possible retooling in Miami. But as for now, we’ll have to wait and see!
